Peugeot 2008 review: fashionable, but it comes at a cost

Few car classes are as hotly contested as the one the Peugeot 2008 occupies: the compact crossover and SUV segment. Every mainstream manufacturer offers something for this growing market, so standing out is devilishly hard. Those looking for style, quality and a tidy drive could do much worse than the 2008. In several ways, it’s even outstanding in its field, and many will welcome the option of an all-electric version, but crucially, it’s not as practical as some rivals. The 2008 is also priced against premium competitors, which could be a further sticking point for customers seeking value.

About the Peugeot 2008 

The second-generation version of Peugeot’s supermini-sized SUV arrived to great acclaim in 2019, and is based on the Stellantis brand’s latest CMP small-car platform underpinning cars like the Citroën C4 and Citroën C4 X, DS 3, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 208, Vauxhall Corsa and Vauxhall Mokka.

Pricing starts at over £24,000, which is a little more than rivals like the C4 mentioned above, Kia Stonic, Nissan Juke, Seat Arona, Skoda Kamiq, and entry-level Volkswagen T-Cross. It undercuts the DS 3, Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Avenger, Mazda CX-30, Renault Captur, Mokka, and Volkswagen T-Roc.

The 2008’s engine range isn’t as extensive as some of its rivals. However, the award-winning 1.2-litre PureTech offered comes in two states of tune and will cover most needs. It can be had with either 99bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox or a more powerful 128bhp unit with either a manual, or an eight-speed automatic.

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Each of the lively petrol engines offers good fuel economy, but there’s also another option that promises even lower running costs. The Peugeot e-2008 is the all-electric model in the range, with an official range of 250 miles, and a smoother, quieter, and brisker driving experience than any of the fossil fuel alternatives. The range of all-electric EVs in this segment is small, but growing, with the e-2008’s main competitors being the Citroën e-C4, DS 3 E-Tense, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Vauxhall Mokka Electric.

Both petrol and all-electric models are available across the three trim levels: Active, Allure, and GT. All models have a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, rear parking sensors, climate control, and 16in alloy wheels. Step up to Allure for larger 17in alloys, front parking sensors, a digital instrument cluster, a handy height adjustable boot floor, and extra USB charging sockets. Flashiest GT trim adds a wireless phone charging pad, a reversing camera, and ambient interior lighting.

While the pros generally outweigh the cons, there is one big stumbling block that prevents the Peugeot 2008 from competing with the class best: price. While you could argue that the build quality justifies the extra expense over many mainstream rivals, that argument falls flat against competition such as the Renault Captur. The Renault feels almost as posh inside and is a little more comfy and refined, yet similarly specced versions cost roughly £1,500 less than the Peugeot. It’s worth noting though that the latest Vauxhall Mokka – the 2008’s twin-under-the-skin thanks to its shared Stellantis platform – also attracts a similar price premium compared to many rivals.

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Other options in the segment include the practical, comfortable Skoda Kamiq and the sporty, tech-laden Ford Puma. The lengthy list of other alternatives facing buyers in this sector also includes the less pricey Citroen C3 Aircross and Dacia Duster. You could also go for Fiat’s 500X or Kia’s Stonic, the Honda HR-V, MINI Countryman, Nissan Juke, Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross, plus quite a few others. The Hyundai Kona is another strong contender in this segment, with an all-new model due to arrive in 2023.

Used and nearly new

The Peugeot 2008’s timeline starts in 2013, around a year after the Peugeot 208 supermini it’s closely related to first went on sale. Across both generations of Peugeot 2008, the car has offered a blend of sharp styling, agile handling and a comfortable ride. The Peugeot 2008 Mk2 saw the small SUV move further upmarket than its predecessor, which, while giving the car a more premium feel, also made it a pricier buy.

Peugeot 2008 history

Peugeot 2008 Mk2: 2019-present

The second-generation Peugeot 2008 Mk2 built upon the foundations of its predecessor: practicality and interior build quality were improved, and the looks were more striking this time around. Like the Mk1 model, the Peugeot 2008 Mk2 had close ties to the Peugeot 208, so the two cars featured similar interior tech and features. The powertrain options were similar, too, consisting of petrol and diesel engines (the latter disappeared in 2022 due to poor sales) and – for the first time in a Peugeot 2008 – a pure-electric option.

Peugeot 2008 Mk1: 2013-2019

The Peugeot 2008 Mk1 went on sale in 2013 and was billed as the higher-riding equivalent of the Peugeot 208. While the two cars share many parts, the 2008 Mk1 is bigger and more spacious than the 208, and comes with more equipment as standard. Engine options consist of various petrol and diesel engines, and all Peugeot 2008 Mk1s are front-wheel drive. Read our full Mk1 Peugeot 2008 buyer’s guide here…

For an alternative review of the Peugeot 2008, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...